The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28
Exodus xvi. 4-12.l
REDEEMED.

By the passage through the Sea and the de-
struction of the Egyptian army the Israelites
we're fully redeemed by the mighty hand OF
COP. They were now free people of COP
whom they recognized as their Redeemer.
Their religious emotions appear to have been
excited to the highest pitch of exaltation and
Joy. Not unto themselves but unto GOD be-
longed the gloryl Before starting on their
Journey TO the Land of Promise, or to Sinai,
where Moses afterward led them and gave
them laws from heaven to govern them as
the nation whom COP had redeemed unto
Himself, they appear to have celebrated their
marvellous deliverance by joyous festival
This occasion is commemorated In the song
of Moses. a grand lyric, the oldest and noblest
triumphal ode in all literature, and which
gave the key note to Israers subsequent songs
of praise, and furnished the models and ma
terials for the songs of triumph in human
ity's onward march toward its promised
destination, as the children of GoD and heir
of eternal salvation through JESUS CHBIsT.
Indeed, 'the Song of Moses the servant Of
COP and the song of the Lamb" are the
songs which the Saints sing in the Revelator's
vision of the victorious Church of CHRIST
(Revelation Nv. 81.
The place where the Israelites encamped
after crossing the Red Sea, and sang their
songs of praise with timbrels and with
dancing, is supposed to be what is now
fertile oasis of considerable size, called the
'Springs of Moses" (Ayun Matsa), quarter
of an hours distance from the shore. How
long they remained here we know not. how
they were employed we only know by the
song which celebrates their redemption by
the mighty hand of COP.
Here (Appn Mttsd) apparently the first camp
was pitched on the east side of the Red Sea.
Their miraculous escape had raised the excit-
able spirit of the vast host to delirium or JOY.
From the extremity of peril they had passed IN
a night to safety. An almost helpless multi
tude, numbered with women, children ana
cattle, with the sea before them and the terri
BILE chariots of Egypt behind-they have seen
way made for them through the waters, ana
the chivalry of the greatest Empire In the
world overwhelmed when pressing after them.
They had been simply spectators or the great
deliverance wrought for them by the Invisible
GOD, whom Moses had proclaimed their Lead
er, and whom their fathers had worsh1ped.
There was no room for pride; they could only
look with grateful eyes to the heavens, from
which alone their rescue had come. JEHOVAH
was assuredly GOD above all gods, and he
had proclaimed them his chosen people by
redeeming them thus with mighty hand and
an outstretched arm. Such an eventwhich dis
tant ages would remember with lasting awe,
demanded corresponding recognition from
those who had witnessed it. The emotion that
filled all hearts could find adequate utterapce
only in song and public rejoicing, in honor OF
the Divine Protector. The dehverance
of the nation by the direct intervention of
JEHOVAH in its behalf, was hence naturally
celebrated by solemn festival in His honor,
in which sacred dances took prominent part.
But the dance was always an accompaniment
of song, and this was provided in the grand
lyric known as the Song of Moses. The
burden of this magnificent ode sank into the
hearts of the Hebrew race, and fired the
genius of inspired poets century after cent
ury, reappearing again and again in psalm
and prophecy. Nor did its echoes Ole
away with the jewish dispensation. As tri-
umphant celebration of GODS victory over
His enemies, it is even transferred in the
Apocalypse to those who stand on the sea OF
glass mingled with fire, having the harps of
GOD, and singing 1.-THE Song of Moses the SER
want of GOD and of the Lamb" - Getkle
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